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Too far, maybe. Necessary, definitely.
“We know she isn’t —”
Mia huffs out an annoyed breath, interrupting Alec. “My mom is a heartless bitch who likes to humiliate and belittle me. She tells her friends—and anyone who wants to listen—that I’m a useless whore. I can’t be certain, but I think she’d prefer to lose all contact with me. And… And after the funeral, she’ll get her wish.” Mia stands abruptly and looks at me. “Does that just about sum it up, Kas? Or is there more you feel I need to share?”
I’m surprised by the venom in her words, which I probably shouldn’t be. Of course, she’s looking to take this out on anyone, and today that somebody is me. I’m the one who forced this conversation, so it isn’t even like I don’t deserve it.
“Nope, all good. I don’t think you left anything out,” I say, trying hard to sound chipper.
Nodding, Mia walks over to the couch and plops herself down on one of the cushions with her phone in hand. Her hand is shaking so badly that I can see the black device move up and down, and with a quick look at each of my brothers, we all walk over to join her.
“Come here,” CJ orders once he’s on the couch as well. Without waiting for her to answer or react, he pulls Mia into his lap, holding her close to his body. “Your history with your family doesn’t matter right now. You want them at Mark’s funeral?”
At his question, Mia’s brown eyes dart up to him, and she answers, “Yes.”
“Then we’ll fucking get them there. Call them now, and don’t leave my lap.” Mia’s shoulders droop, and I notice the grateful look in her eyes.
Fuck me. She really likes CJ taking control, and she trusts him to get her to where she wants to be.
“We’re all here, so you need to tell us what we can do.”
When Mia doesn’t answer Alec, CJ places a finger beneath her chin and tilts her head up, so their eyes lock again. “It’s rude to ignore people, even if you’re sorting through your thoughts. Why are you being rude?”
Mia stiffens, and I have to swallow back my smile. “I-I didn’t mean to be rude.”
“Of course not, but it’s not me you have to convince.”
Turning around in CJ’s lap, Mia reaches for Alec’s hand. “I’m sorry. I know you’re only trying to help, and you being here is enough.”
Alec’s gray eyes flash with something akin to frustration, but he forces a smile. “Don’t worry about it.”
Sitting down on the floor in front of her, I take one of her feet and start rubbing it. I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do, but I feel like I need to touch her to show her I’m here as well. The half-smile I receive for my efforts is enough. Right now, I guess I should just be grateful that CJ didn’t have to force her to react.
Yeah, even I know how fucked up that is. But I also know that’s just the way it is right now. I don’t think she means to ignore us—well, not us, Alec—but I can imagine it stings all the same. Maybe I should start deducting scoreboard points when she needs to be reminded to answer us because that’s some basic shit right there.
